Meet Mel Forrest of Victress Burlesque in Hollywood and Surrounding Area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Forrest.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a member of the burlesque troop, Victress. Our roots began years ago when a few of us were living in Chicago performing comedy every evening. Eventually, we would all go our separate ways, but reconnect in Los Angeles in 2018. Victress was created out of our mutual love for burlesque and comedy. We are all writers and most of our show is character driven with a strong emphasis on comedy. Funny is sexy! We are an all-female group with all-female production staff. We write and produce all of our own shows and can be seen performing in this years Hollywood Fringe Festival, as well as around town at most comedy venues.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’ve had our ups an downs with booking, marketing, and general show structure. It’s hard to set yourself apart from other great burlesque shows in L.A. We are all mostly comedians and we want to showcase our talents in that way while also fusing the art of traditional burlesque, which can be difficult pitch to certain venues. In the end, we enjoy each other as well as the work so much that those struggles are small potatoes.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Victress Burlesque – what should we know?
I am an ensemble member and founding member of Victress Burlesque. I write and perform with troupe. I am most proud of our ability to come together with such different ideas and create a beautifully hilarious new 1-hour show every few months. All of us love being apart of Victress and love supporting each other’s ideas which make for a very unique, diverse, sexy and funny show that subverts a lot of the classic notions of burlesque.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
YES!
Katherine Biskupic – Host
Sarah O’Dwyer – Ensemble Member, Choreographer
Leah Friers – Ensemble Member
Saliha Muttalib – Ensemble Member
Joy Haven – Ensemble Member
Thea Lux – Director / Producer
*Founding Members

Pricing:

• Victress Presents : ShipwRACKED. Tickets on Sale for June 9th, 8pm at the Complex Theater NOW! $12.00

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: victressburlesque
• Other: 1987

Image Credit:
Lucia Doynel, Joshua Sterling Bragg

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